Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda (Spanish for “Ancient” and “Bearded”) is an island nation located on the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea. It consists of two major islands – Antigua and Barbuda as well as a number of smaller islets. The islands became an independent state within the United Kingdom Commonwealth of Nations on November 1, 1981, with Elizabeth II as the first Queen of Antigua and Barbuda and the Right Honorable Vere Cornwall Bird became the first prime minister. Tourism dominates the economy, accounting for more than half of the GDP. Antigua is famous for its many exclusive luxury resorts. Weak tourist arrival numbers since early 2000 have slowed the economy, however, and pressed the government into a tight fiscal corner. Investment Banking and Financial Services also comprise an important part of the economy. Major world banks with offices in Antigua include: Bank of America, Barclays, Royal Bank of Canada, and Scotia Bank among others.
Homosexual behavior is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda. Male and female same-sex sexual acts carry a penalty of 5 years imprisonment. A conviction for anal sex carries a penalty of 15 years. United Kingdom law does not apply in A&B, therefore a 1995 law criminalizing homosexual acts is enforceable.

It doesn’t take long to discern the public attitudes of the twin island-nations of Antigua and Barbuda toward homosexuality. They don’t like it and they show it in their laws. Antigua and Barbuda Same-sex sexual acts are illegal and carry a penalty of 5 years imprisonment. Anal sex carries a penalty of 15 years. Although